We climbed up the East face and then walked down. That was sometime in '86 or '87 I think when it wasn't too crowded yet. It's not a bad hike if you're fitter than a naturally aspirated V8.
I haven't been back to the Sierras in awhile. From what I hear it's grown a lot. There's lots more to do up and down 395 these days. Even if you can't get a permit to do Whitney you should visit Death Valley, Mono Lake, the high country, etc. One of my favorite pastimes was peak bagging. You try to string as many peaks together in one day and sign your name in the register up top. Bring a small collapsible fishing pole. You can live off the trout in those high lakes.